NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Artists from across the region were recognized during the annual Nebraskaland Days Competitive Art Show Awards Reception at the Prairie Arts Center, an event that continues to celebrate the beauty of the Plains, western heritage, and the creativity of local and regional artists.
This year's show was judged by Dik Haneline.
The coveted Best of Show honor was awarded to David Dorsey for his piece, Ghost in the Winter. The People's Choice Award went to Denay Pelster for The Pursuit.
In the 3-D category, Linda Egle earned first place for Cow Camp and also captured third place with First Pick. Second place was awarded to Wava Best for Lewis and Clark.
Photography awards were presented in landscape, wildlife, and western divisions.
In Landscape Photography, Terry Kingston received first place for My Blue Heaven, while Deb Hostick took second with The Grand Descent, and Ricki Reason placed third with Sunset on the Prairie.
The Wildlife Photography category was led by Boni Edwards, whose Catch of the Day claimed first place. Deb Hostick earned second place for Swan-erbration and third place for Fishing in the Fog.
In Western Photography, Bobby Roshone earned first place for Brace. Brandy Jamerman's Holding the Edge was awarded second place, while Bridget Licking received third for Retired.
The 2-D division also highlighted exceptional artistic talent.
Yelena Khanevskaya won first place in Landscape for Blue and Gold, followed by Cindy Brader's Fall on River in second and Jeffrey Yentes' Nowhereland in third.
Victoria Harper earned first place in Wildlife with Tiny at Kit Carson. Monica Eby's Prairie Queen placed second, and Cecelia Wonch's Golden Hour Grazing took third.
In the Western category, David Dorsey's Crossing the Cheyenne captured first place. Yelena Khanevskaya earned second with Jingle Dress, while Jeff Smeltzer placed third with Untitled.
Honorable Mentions were awarded to The Pursuit by Denay Pelster; Night Sovereign by Tim O'Neill; Sandhills Summer Breeze by Linda Lacy; Dashing Cottonwood by Julie Brandes; Where the Hills Whisper by Audrey Powles; Good Loop by Laura Deaver; Standing Guard by Katie Berglund; Approaching Storm by Robert Quimby; Assured by Darcia Kovarik; Owl Family by Heather Horn; Spirit of the Plains by Todd Eby; Nebraska Rooster Pheasant by Nick Cooper; Who Me? by Lora Wood; Spirit of the Stallion by Ashley Murphy; Prairie by Dede Hill; American Plainsman by Victoria Harper; and Always Singing Your Praise by Ron Nordyke.
The annual Competitive Art Show remains a popular feature of Nebraskaland Days, showcasing artwork inspired by Nebraska's landscapes, wildlife, western traditions, and the people who call the Plains home. Organizers thanked Nebraskaland Days, Bob Lantis and his crew, along with the Prairie Arts Center, for continuing to support an event that celebrates the arts and the region's rich cultural heritage.